Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was first discovered in Wilmette during the summer of 2006. The Village moved quickly to implement a management plan to deal with EAB. Since that time, the Village has removed and replanted hundreds of ash trees that were confirmed infested with the beetle. The EAB attacks ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) only.

The first symptom of EAB infestation in ash tree(s) is the thinning of leaves in the canopy. Other visual symptoms include woodpecker damage (missing bark or holes) and formation of new branches (sprouting) along the larger limbs of the tree. If an ash tree has been infested for multiple years, new branches will begin to sprout on the main stem of the tree as far down as the base of the tree to make up for the earlier loss of leaves in the canopy.

Prior to the EAB infestation, the Village had a parkway ash population of 2,855. The Village Foresters continue to monitor all remaining ash trees located along public right-of-way for signs and symptoms of EAB infestation. Once a tree becomes a hazard, it is removed by the Village contractor. If you suspect the parkway tree adjacent to your home is infested with EAB, you should contact the Forestry Division to request an inspection.

Residents are encouraged to work with a Certified Arborist to evaluate and care for ash trees on private property. Chemical treatments are commercially available to assist in controlling the EAB. Residents that are interested in treating parkway ash trees in the Village right-of-way are encouraged to contact the Forestry Division below or at 847-853-7587 for more information.